Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-05
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The diagram below shows how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 5.0)
The given process chart depicts the information about how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity. It is man-made process chart.
Overall, it is crystal clear that there are exactly five steps require to complete this process which commencing with cold water which was pumped down while ending with powered by steam to produce electricity.
At the fleeting glance, initial stage of flow chart starts from chilled water which were pumped down into the ground to near about 4.5 kilometers underneath. The next step was the injection well followed by geothermal zone which consists of hot rocks located in ground. Moreover, the third step after injection was the production well then cold water converted to hot water which was pumped up to the floor after production.
Moving further, after production well the hot water was stored in tank which leads to fourth step named condenser. However, steam produced in condenser are circled in turbine which was powered by steam. The generator creates powered by turbines and produces electricity into electricity transfer and leftover water converted into steam.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main stages of the geothermal energy process, identifying the key components like the injection well, geothermal zone, and turbine. However, the description of the process is somewhat inaccurate and confusing. For instance, the text states that 'cold water converted to hot water which was pumped up to the floor', which is a vague and slightly inaccurate description of the production well process. Additionally, the explanation of the condenser and electricity generation is muddled, failing to clearly explain the relationship between the steam, the turbine, and the generator. While the main features are identified, the lack of clarity in explaining the mechanical process prevents a higher score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'At the fleeting glance' and 'Moving further' are used, but they do not always connect ideas logically. The referencing is also problematic; for example, the transition between the condenser and the turbine is unclear, making the progression of the process difficult to follow. The logical flow is hindered by awkward phrasing and a lack of precise linking words that would better connect the stages of the diagram.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks precision and sophistication. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'man-made process chart' and 'pumped up to the floor', which do not accurately describe the technical process shown in the diagram. The student relies on basic terminology and struggles to use more precise technical vocabulary related to energy production. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the lack of variety and occasional misuse of terms limit the lexical range to a basic level.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'five steps require' instead of 'five steps required' and 'steam produced in condenser are circled' instead of 'is circulated'. Tense usage is inconsistent, switching between present and past tense unnecessarily. While there is an attempt at complex sentence structures, these are often marred by errors, such as 'generator creates powered by turbines', which is grammatically incorrect. The control of basic grammar is insufficient for a higher band.
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